Positioning theory and narratives in the organization: teaching MSc students to apply theory to practice
Published online on May 01, 2013
Abstract
This short article presents a teaching session on the topic of positioning theory and narratives within the organizational context. The theory is made more accessible to students through playful group experiential learning in which the university assessment process is considered from different discourses and positions. Students could see how, in role, they were positioned and positioned others. Organizational narratives were brought to life.
Practitioner points
Novelty and playfulness are important in the teaching of theory
Using the ‘organization created around learning’ offers a refreshing new arena in which to apply theory
Positioning theory is best understood through experiential learning. By using the role play, the student is exposed simultaneously to at least three positions; their own personal perspective, that of the character in the role play and the experience of listening to others